Soldier On launches new services to help veteran forge new careers

Soldier On is launching new services to help veterans secure employment after service

Soldier On Veteran and Family Support Officers will deliver services to veterans and families across the country

CEO John Bale is available for interview Tuesday, 8th November 2016

Not-for-profit veteran organisation Soldier On today launched new services to help ex-servicemen and women forge new career paths once they leave the military.

These new services will be delivered by Soldier On Veteran and Family Support Officers in reintegration and recovery centres around Australia, as well as online. The services will help veterans leverage existing skillsets for civilian employment, identify gaps in their skillsets and identify appropriate training, education and career development opportunities to forge new career paths.

Veteran and Family Support Officers will also work on short and long-term employment goals with veterans, recognising many will need to earn an income while they pursue a new career.

CEO and Co-Founder of Soldier On, John Bale, an Afghanistan veteran, says these services are key to ensuring our veterans have the right skills and opportunities to succeed in their career post service.

“Our veterans have played a really important role in keeping our country safe. As a nation and community we must look after them once they decide to leave the Defence Force. I cannot think of a better way to do this than by ensuring they are given the right services, support, resources and opportunities to go on and forge new career paths once they leave the military. That’s what these new services are here to provide.”

“Soldier On believes helping veterans successfully transition from the military to civilian life is the foundation to preventing veterans spiraling downwards emotionally and mentally. We believe these new services, in addition to our existing services, will save the lives of veterans,” said John Bale.

These services are open to all veterans who have left the Defence Force. As some veterans may be psychologically or physically impacted from their service to Australia, these services are also open to spouses of veterans ensuring the family unit has access to the right opportunities to build successful futures.

They will be offered in addition to Soldier On’s existing services, which include mental health support through free counselling sessions with a Soldier On psychologist and social inclusion programs and activities, which help veterans reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and the wider community.

Soldier On is also working with Australian industry, the Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to ensure the skillsets of veterans are recognised and they are given the right opportunities.

Interview Opportunity:

John Bale, CEO and Co-Founder of Soldier On will be available for interviews on Tuesday, 8th November 2016 between 9am and 11am.